Your Complete Guide to Lifeguard Training and Certification in Finland with ALA

If you visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Finland, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers. A lifeguard’s main responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond quickly in emergencies, which requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in Finland provides this preparation equipping individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and pools.

Finland is a land of lakes, coastlines, and swimming pools. Swimming is one of the most popular leisure activities, especially during the bright summer months. With thousands of lakes, numerous seaside beaches, and many indoor and outdoor pools, there is always a need for lifeguards to ensure the safety of swimmers. The demand for trained lifeguards in Finland is especially high during summer, when beaches and lakesides are crowded, though opportunities exist year-round at indoor aquatic facilities.

Lifeguard Training in Finland

Lifeguards are present across Finland’s beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools to ensure public safety. With so many aquatic spaces available, opportunities for lifeguards are extensive.

Lifeguard training in Finland is the first step toward starting a career in aquatics. Once certified by a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates can pursue employment in a wide range of aquatic environments.

ALA training centers in Finland provide multiple lifeguard certification programs. While demand is highest in the summer, year-round employment is also available thanks to the many indoor pools and aquatic facilities across the country.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve worldwide. Certification through ALA is well respected, helping candidates demonstrate their skills and professionalism to potential employers.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association works in partnership with Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to aquatic safety and drowning prevention.

ALA’s mission is to make beaches, pools, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA collaborates with employers across the globe to train lifeguards and establish strong safety standards.

Over the years, ALA has been recognized by leading agencies and organizations, including:

• CDC Healthy Swimming Program

• U.S. Department of Labor

• U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA has aligned its programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. Training also reflects the latest ECC science and findings from the Finland Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA programs require employers to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Finland

To enroll in ALA lifeguard training in Finland, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements:

• 15 years or older to work at a pool, waterpark, or lake

• 16 years or older to work at beaches

Participants must also demonstrate the following swimming and rescue skills to complete the program:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, using:

  • 100 yards front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing kick

  • 100 yards breaststroke (pull, breath, kick, glide sequence)

  • 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke

• Complete a timed event:

  • Start in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

  • Surface dive 7–10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object

  • Return 20 yards to the starting point with the object

  • Exit the water without a ladder or steps

  • All within 1 minute, 40 seconds

Upon successful completion, participants receive an ALA Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.

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Lifeguarding in Finland: Long-Term Career Options

Although many see lifeguarding as a seasonal role, it can also grow into a long-term career. Year-round opportunities exist at indoor pools, aquatic centers, and recreation facilities. With further training, lifeguards may advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions provide greater responsibility, higher pay, and the opportunity to build a career centered on public health and safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Finland

Participants in the ALA lifeguard program develop comprehensive skills, including:

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry, Stride, and Compact Jumps

• Rescue Approach (front crawl or breaststroke)

• Simple, Extension, Reaching, and Throwing Assists

• Swimming Extension and Victim Rescues (active and passive)

• Two-Person Backboard Removals

• Submerged Victim Recovery (shallow and deep water)

• Multiple-Victim Rescue and Head-Hold Escapes

Caring for Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on land

• Backboard use for standing, shallow, or deep water victims

• Head Splint and Head/Chin Support techniques (face-up or face-down)

• In-Line Stabilization for submerged victims

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• Removing Gloves and Performing Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Use (two rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Response

• CPR (one- and two-rescuer, adult, child, infant)

• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid

• Secondary Assessments

• Controlling Bleeding

• Applying Slings, Binders, Anatomic, and Soft Splints

Final Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim

• Submerged Passive Victim

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

Famous Finnish Beaches Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Despite its northern location, Finland has many beautiful beaches and lakefronts that come alive during the short but vibrant summer season. While some areas have professional lifeguard services, others may not making training and preparedness especially important.

Helsinki Region

• Hietaniemi Beach (Hietsu, Helsinki): One of the most popular urban beaches in Finland, known for volleyball courts, events, and daily lifeguard services in summer.

• Aurinkolahti Beach (Vuosaari, Helsinki): A modern seaside beach with long sandy stretches and lifeguards on duty during peak season.

• Mustikkamaa Beach: Family-friendly beach near Korkeasaari Zoo with designated swimming zones and summer lifeguard coverage.

Southern Finland

• Yyteri Beach (Pori): One of the longest sandy beaches in the Nordic countries (over 6 km). Popular for windsurfing and families, with lifeguards present in designated areas during summer.

• Kalajoki Beach (Ostrobothnia): Famous for its long sand dunes and summer festivals. Lifeguard services are provided in the busiest season.

Western and Northern Finland

• Nallikari Beach (Oulu): Known as the “Riviera of the North,” this expansive sandy beach offers summer activities and lifeguard supervision.

The Final Wave

The primary purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and ensure safety in aquatic environments. Lifeguards typically monitor their areas from elevated chairs or patrol open waters, often using binoculars and rescue equipment.

With more than three decades of experience, the American Lifeguard Association remains a global leader in aquatic health and safety training. Guided by strong ethical standards and a commitment to excellence, ALA provides training that empowers lifeguards to save lives.

For lifeguard training in Finland, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the trusted choice. For more details about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us.